Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/01/03

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Subject: [Leica] Abbas book
From: Jem Kime <jem.kime@cwcom.net>
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2001 17:58:07 -0000

Erwin's post reminded me of the delightful pictures I've been enjoying in 
one of my Christmas presents, the latest book by the Iranian Magnum 
photographer, Abbas.
It's called 'Faces of Christianity' and follows his work on Islam called 
'Allah O Akbar'. An extensive volume with many many fascinating pictures. 
It is hard to portray, visually, a faith but there are moments when this 
really comes off.

The relevance to Erwin's post was that some of the most atmospheric 
pictures are those taken in dimming light which would have neccessitated an 
exposure of around a second or so wide open on 400 ASA film at least 
(there's a shot of a hermit retiring to his dwelling) which clearly 
demonstrates (for me) the importance of the image over technique.
I've no wish to deride the pursuit of technical excellence, we all wish for 
better standards in all aspects of photography, but this book reminded me 
again of what is most important to me, the picture.
Who knows, in 5 years time there may well be films so fast and so finely 
grained that pictures like the one mentioned will be sharp!

best regards,
Jem
- -----Original Message-----
From:	Erwin Puts [SMTP:imxputs@knoware.nl]

 It does not make sense to do this excercise for Tri-X films and Leica
lenses as the resolution of the TX will be reduced significantly by grain
patterns to a low level.

Erwin